Exodus 21:23

KJV

And if [any] mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,

KJV (with Strong's)

And if any mischief follow {H611}, then thou shalt give {H5414} life {H5315} for life {H5315},

Complete Jewish Bible

But if any harm follows, then you are to give life for life,

Berean Standard Bible

But if a serious injury results, then you must require a life for a life—

American Standard Version

But if any harm follow, then thou shalt give life for life,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 21:23, a pivotal statute within the "Book of the Covenant," articulates the severe consequences for an assault that results in grave injury or death. This verse establishes the profound legal principle of "life for life," or *lex talionis*, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to proportional justice and the sanctity of human life. It serves as a foundational declaration of accountability within the divine legal framework provided to ancient Israel, particularly emphasizing the immense value of life in cases where actions lead to fatal outcomes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an immediate and critical continuation of the legal case presented in [Exodus 21:22](/exodus/21-22 "Exodus 21:22 - Injury to a Pregnant Woman"). The preceding verse describes a scenario where men fighting inadvertently strike a pregnant woman, causing her to give birth prematurely. If the outcome is merely a premature birth without further serious harm, the offender is subject to a fine determined by the woman's husband and the judges. However, [Exodus 21:23](/exodus/21-23 "Exodus 21:23 - Life for Life") introduces a dramatic escalation of consequences, stating "if any mischief follow." This conditional clause signifies that if the injury leads to a more grievous outcome—specifically, the death of the woman or the death of the child (if born alive and subsequently succumbing to the injury)—the penalty shifts from monetary compensation to a capital offense. This progression highlights the escalating severity of the offense based on the outcome, moving from civil recompense to a demand for life, thereby emphasizing the profound and non-negotiable value of human life within God's law.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Book of the Covenant," comprising [Exodus 21](/exodus/21 "Exodus 21 - Laws Concerning Servants and Violence") through [Exodus 23](/exodus/23 "Exodus 23 - Laws of Justice and Mercy"), represents a specific collection of divine laws given to Israel immediately following the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. These laws provided the nascent nation with a comprehensive legal, social, and ethical framework for their communal life. While sharing some structural and thematic similarities with other ancient Near Eastern law codes (such as the Code of Hammurabi or the Laws of Eshnunna), Israel's divine law was distinct in its foundational emphasis on the sanctity of life, the protection of the vulnerable, and the principle of equal justice for all, irrespective of social status. The concept of *lex talionis* ("life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth") was not unique to Israel but was a common legal principle designed to limit vengeance by ensuring that punishment did not exceed the crime, thereby preventing endless blood feuds and promoting societal order, fairness, and a measure of equity in judicial proceedings.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 21:23](/exodus/21-23 "Exodus 21:23 - Life for Life") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Pentateuch and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is the **Sanctity of Human Life**, which is presented as inherently valuable because humanity is created in the image of God ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Humanity in God's Image")). This verse underscores that life, even in its earliest stages, is precious and its unlawful termination demands the gravest consequence. Another key theme is **Divine Justice and Accountability**, revealing God as a righteous judge who demands that actions have proportional consequences. The law is not arbitrary but reflects God's own character, emphasizing fairness and the upholding of moral order. Furthermore, the principle of **Proportionality in Law** is central, ensuring that punishment fits the crime, thereby preventing both undue leniency and excessive retribution. This legal framework was designed to cultivate a just society that mirrored God's own righteousness, as seen throughout the legal codes in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws for a Holy People") and [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - Moses' Farewell Speeches").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mischief (Hebrew, _ʼâçôwn'_):** From H611, this term signifies "hurt" or "mischief." In the context of [Exodus 21:23](/exodus/21-23 "Exodus 21:23 - Life for Life"), it refers specifically to a grave, life-threatening, or fatal consequence resulting from the injury, primarily the death of the woman or the child. The use of this term elevates the incident from a civil matter requiring compensation to a capital offense, demonstrating the seriousness with which God views the loss of life.
* **Give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From H5414, this primitive root is used with a wide latitude of application, meaning "to give," "put," or "make." In the phrase "thou shalt give life for life," it conveys the legal obligation to render or exact a corresponding penalty. It signifies the judicial act of imposing the prescribed consequence, emphasizing that this is a mandated divine decree, not merely an option or suggestion.
* **Life (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, this multifaceted term derives from a root meaning "to breathe" and refers to a "breathing creature," "vitality," "soul," "person," or "self." In the phrase "life for life" (_nephesh taḥat nephesh_), it signifies a direct and equivalent exchange of human existence. It powerfully conveys the idea that a human life is of such immeasurable value that its forfeiture demands a corresponding forfeiture, underscoring the profound sanctity of human existence in the eyes of God's law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if [any] mischief follow":** This clause serves as the critical conditional trigger for the severe penalty. It directly references the outcome of the scenario described in [Exodus 21:22](/exodus/21-22 "Exodus 21:22 - Injury to a Pregnant Woman"). If the injury to the pregnant woman results in a more grievous outcome than merely a premature birth or miscarriage—specifically, the death of the woman herself or the death of the child after being born alive—then the law's most severe consequence is invoked. This highlights the sensitivity of the law to the gravity of the harm inflicted, distinguishing between non-fatal injury and fatal outcomes.
* **"then thou shalt give life for life":** This is the core declaration of *lex talionis*, the law of proportional retribution. It mandates that if the "mischief" (death) occurs, the life of the perpetrator is forfeited. This principle was not intended to encourage private vengeance but rather to establish a precise, proportional retribution within the legal system. It served as a legal limitation, ensuring that punishment was just and equivalent to the crime, thereby preventing excessive retaliation and affirming the supreme value that God places on human life by demanding an equivalent payment for its loss.

#### Literary Devices
[Exodus 21:23](/exodus/21-23 "Exodus 21:23 - Life for Life") employs several literary techniques to convey its authoritative and impactful message. The concise and direct phrasing of "life for life" is a powerful example of **Conciseness** and **Emphasis**, making the legal principle clear, memorable, and non-negotiable. This statement functions as a **Legal Precedent**, establishing a foundational standard for capital offenses within Israelite jurisprudence. The repetition of "life" (**Repetition** or **Anaphora**, if considered across the phrase's structure) in the phrase "life for life" serves as a rhetorical device to underscore the ultimate and irreplaceable value of human life, highlighting the gravity of its loss. Furthermore, the conditional structure ("And if... then...") is a hallmark of **Casuistic Law**, characteristic of the "Book of the Covenant," which presents specific cases and their corresponding judgments, providing a clear and practical legal framework for the community. The directness of the language also contributes to its **Authoritative Tone**, reflecting the divine origin of the law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 21:23 stands as a profound declaration of the sanctity of human life and God's unwavering commitment to justice. The principle of "life for life" (lex talionis) is not a call for vengeful acts, but a divinely ordained restraint, ensuring that punishment is proportional to the crime and that the supreme value of a life lost is acknowledged. This law reflects God's character as a righteous judge who demands accountability for actions, especially those that result in the death of another. It underscores that human life, from its earliest stages, is precious and belongs to God, demanding the highest level of protection and respect within the community. This principle laid the groundwork for a just society, where the value of each individual was upheld by divine decree.

* [Leviticus 24:17](/leviticus/24-17 "Leviticus 24:17 - Penalty for Killing a Person")
* [Deuteronomy 19:21](/deuteronomy/19-21 "Deuteronomy 19:21 - The Law of Retribution")
* [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Sanctity of Human Life After the Flood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 21:23, while rooted in ancient Israelite law, offers timeless principles for reflection and application in our contemporary world. It powerfully affirms the inherent worth and dignity of every human life, from conception onward. This divine perspective challenges us to consider how our societies value and protect the most vulnerable, including the unborn, the infirm, the elderly, and the marginalized. The verse also calls us to uphold principles of justice and accountability, recognizing that actions have consequences and that a just society must have systems in place to address wrongdoing fairly and proportionally. It reminds us that God is a God of justice, and as His image-bearers, we are called to pursue justice, advocate for the oppressed, and foster communities where the sanctity of life is honored and protected. Our pursuit of justice should always be tempered with mercy, reflecting the full character of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "life for life" in Exodus 21:23 inform our understanding of the sanctity of human life today, particularly concerning the unborn or vulnerable?**
* **In what ways does this verse call us to uphold justice and accountability in our communities and legal systems, balancing retribution with rehabilitation?**
* **How can we, as followers of Christ, apply the spirit of divine justice—which seeks both righteousness and redemption—in our interactions with others and in advocating for societal change?**

### FAQ
**Does "life for life" mean literal capital punishment for every accidental death?**

Answer: While "life for life" (lex talionis) certainly implies the potential for capital punishment in cases of intentional or severely negligent killing, its primary purpose was to establish proportional justice and prevent excessive retaliation. In Israelite law, capital offenses were clearly defined, and the context of [Exodus 21:22-23](/exodus/21-22-23 "Exodus 21:22-23 - Injury to a Pregnant Woman and Child") deals with a severe, potentially fatal, outcome of an assault. For truly accidental killings, the law provided for cities of refuge, where an unintentional killer could find asylum from the avenger of blood ([Numbers 35:9-34](/numbers/35-9-34 "Numbers 35:9-34 - Cities of Refuge and Manslaughter")). This nuance indicates that the law distinguished between premeditated murder, negligent killing, and truly accidental death, applying different consequences while always upholding the value of life.

**How does this law relate to the modern debate about abortion?**

Answer: While [Exodus 21:22-23](/exodus/21-22-23 "Exodus 21:22-23 - Injury to a Pregnant Woman and Child") does not directly address elective abortion, its context is highly relevant to the discussion of the value of unborn life. The passage places a significant penalty on causing harm to a pregnant woman that results in the loss of her child. If the child is born prematurely but lives, a fine is imposed. However, if "mischief follow"—meaning the death of the woman or the child—the penalty is "life for life." This indicates that the law considered the unborn child a "life" whose loss, under certain circumstances, warranted the most severe penalty, equivalent to the loss of an adult life. This underscores the profound value God places on human life from its earliest stages in the womb, suggesting a divine recognition of the unborn as persons deserving of legal protection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The principle of "life for life" in [Exodus 21:23](/exodus/21-23 "Exodus 21:23 - Life for Life"), while a foundational tenet of justice in the Old Testament, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in Jesus Christ. The law, with its unyielding demands for proportional retribution, reveals the gravity of sin and its ultimate consequence: spiritual and physical death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Humanity, having violated God's perfect standard, stood condemned, with divine justice demanding "life for life"—our lives for our transgressions. However, Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to perfectly fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). In an act of unparalleled love and mercy, Christ, the sinless Lamb of God, offered His own perfect life as a substitute for ours. He bore the full weight of divine justice on the cross, satisfying the "life for life" requirement on behalf of all who believe ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, the demand for our life was met by His, offering us not condemnation, but forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). Thus, the ultimate "life for life" exchange occurred not in human courts, but on Calvary, demonstrating God's perfect justice and His boundless grace, culminating in the triumph of life over death through His resurrection.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 19:21

And thine eye shall not pity; [but] life [shall go] for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

Numbers 35:31

Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which [is] guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.

Leviticus 24:19

And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him;